Quick Movie Reviews

I wasn't too into it the first time I watched it. I thought it was okay but I didn't think I'd want to watch it again. However, later on that night I found myself looking up the songs and clips. And the next day I watched the making-of documentary. And the deleted scenes. And then the movie again. With Commentary. I don't know what it is, but Hedwig has a way of sucking people in to his weirdly attractive universe.

Not too much can be said about this musical really. It is specifically tailored to only those who have seen or enjoyed the play. The plot or lack thereof is confusing most times, characters appear to have depth, but are never explained, and the last few moments of the film you aren't really sure what to feel. Hansel and his band of misfits are funny at certain moments, however dramatic and a tad too artsy for the most part of the film. With unnecessary sexual tones and an incoherence of consistent storyline, Hedwig unfortunately inches its way to a solid 1.5 rating.

Full Movie Reviews

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is a weird movie, but not necessarily a bad one. In creative rock opera form, the backstory of a transgendered rock musician is full of deep thoughts on gender roles, sexuality, and human psychology. The overall message is a triumphant one for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood, which is something I can get behind. Occasionally, the film's speedy plot may seem to gloss over some plot holes, but the non-linear and often jolting pacing of the film is part of the musical genre. The songs themselves are flashy and often very catchy and John Cameron Mitchell proves that he is as committed of an actor as he is a director. If not for his total immersion into the role, the film might have come off campier than it does.